downtown akron partnership · 3 • stakeholders performed an analysis on the need to connect...

DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014

2015 DAP Annual Report2013-2014.indd 1 2/18/2015 9:24:34 AM

Board of TrusteesJack BakerAkron Glass Works

Catherine BreckAusten BioInnovation Institute

Joash BloomSchipper Group

Kevin BordCotter Moving & Storage

Chris BurnhamSummit County Dev. Finance Authority

Donae CejaUnited Way

James CrousePortage Path Comm. Mental Health

Mike DeanAkron Beacon Journal

Jeffrey C. DouglasKeyBank

Kirk GardnerFirstEnergy

Suzanne HobsonAkron General Medical Center

Keith JohnsonApex Benefit Services

Doug KohlYMCA Akron

Mark MasuokaAkron Art Museum

Gregg MervisAkron-Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau/J. S. Knight Center

Sandy Naragon Akron Area Board of Realtors

C. Allen NicholsAkron Bar Association

Ralph PalmisanoLeiby Hanna Rasnick Towne Evanchan Palmisano Hobson LLC

Russell PrySummit County Executive

Frank Quirk Brouse McDowell

Richard RebadowGreater Akron Chamber

Melissa Rossi22 Exchange

Elizabeth Sheeler

Justin SmithOuter Box Solutions

Carla SibleyAkron Public Schools

Tony TroppeThe Everett Group

Keeven WhiteWhitespace Creative

Claudia Zeber-MartellZeber-Martell Clay Studio & Gallery

Ex-Officio (SID Board)Robert Handelman Chemstress Consultants

Denise ArmstrongMcKinley Properties

Michael TrainerAkron Children’s Hospital

Michael Kunce Bowery Management

Donald L. Plusquellic Mayor, City of Akron

Garry Moneypenny President, Akron City Council

Lee Walko Brennan, Manna & Diamond

StaffSuzie GrahamPresident

Kimberly BeckettDirector of Business Relations

Kelli FetterDirector of Events

Linda FryProject Director

Sharon GillbergCommunications Director

Anthony LongOperations Assistant

Holly MattucciDirector of Finance

2014 Executive CommitteeChairmanClair Dickinson Brouse McDowell

PresidentSuzie GrahamDowntown Akron Partnership

Vice PresidentDonald J. Pavlik PNC

TreasurerJill SkapinOffice of Summit County Executive

SecretaryMalcolm CostaAkron Summit Community Action

Ken BabbyAkron RubberDucks

Nicholas Browning FirstMerit Bank

Richard EntyMetro Regional Transit Authority

Wayne HillUniversity of Akron

David Jennings Akron-Summit County Public Library

Dave Lieberth Lieberth Consulting Group Brian MooreRoetzel & Andress

John MooreCity of Akron

Gary RickelCB Richard Ellis

Building Leadership 2014

MissionThe mission of Downtown Akron Partnership is to promote and build a vibrant and valuable Downtown.


We have made much progress in downtown Akron over the last 19 years. Many of the

eyesores and problems that existed when Downtown Akron Partnership was founded have

been eliminated. Much of that progress has been a result of the commitment of our City and

County governments. But much of it has also been a result of the foresight of the property

owners in our Special Improvement District. Without their willingness to put their money

where their mouths were, the safe and vibrant downtown we all now enjoy would never have

been possible. Thank you for your past support and your willingness to renew that support for

the coming years.

A downtown where people are proud and excited to spend time is an absolute prerequisite to our region’s

success. While we all can be justifiably proud of what we have accomplished so far, we can’t afford to rest on

those accomplishments. As we move into our twentieth year and beyond, some old challenges remain and new

ones are on the horizon. Downtown Akron Partnership looks forward to being part of the team facing those

challenges.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your past support and my request for your continued support, input, and

participation. Through our work together we can continue to improve our downtown neighborhood and, by doing

so, continue to improve the health of our entire region.

Clair E. Dickinson

A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

1


2

Physical EnvironmentGoalDowntown Akron Partnership establishes a sense of place in Downtown Akron, showcasing a clean, safe and vibrant Downtown that adds to the long-term vitality and improvement of the community.

Achievements• Four cleaning ambassadors clean and beautify the 42-block SIDdistrict and welcome and assist visitors. Ambassadors make yourDowntown cleaner and more inviting year-round. The crew keepssidewalks free of trash and debris and performs special projects thatinclude power washing sidewalks, weed abatement and graffiti removal.

• Green & Clean Day draws more than 300 Downtown volunteers thattake on deep cleaning projects within the SID footprint. Volunteers from Downtown businesses complete projects in or around their own buildings or elsewhere in the footprint cleaning, painting and landscaping.

• Hanging flower baskets on Main Street, cascading planter boxes on fencing along Main, High, Broadway and Market streets, and on newspaper corrals on Main; and sidewalk planters throughout the districtbring color, vibrancy and a more welcoming feel to Downtown. DAP Ambassadors maintain the planters, boxes and baskets seven days a week during growing season. DAP also funds Keep Akron Beautiful’s Downtown floralscapes.

• DAP’s Adopt a Planter program gives 40 Downtown businesses an active role in beautification efforts through their involvement in planting a nearby sidewalk planter.

CLEAN, SAFE & VIBRANT

Lock 3 railings get a new coatof paint at Green & Clean

Darrell jump starts adead battery

Flower boxes add color and vibrancy to Main Street

200850000

2,9249,167275

0

64.4%

64.8%

Clean, Safe & VibrantConcrete PlantersPortable Planters Hanging Baskets Planter Boxes

Bus Stops CleanedHospitality AssistanceMotorist/Vehicle AssistanceGraffiti Removed

Survey Data% of survey respondentssatisfied or very satisfied with physical appearance of Downtown

% of survey respondentssatisifed or very satisfiedwith safety in Downtown

201452385452

3,1777,663606746

86.6%

89.6%

Mark power washes sidewalksthroughout the district


3

• Stakeholders performed an analysis on the need to connect 750,000 visitors that use the Towpath through Downtown annually. A focus group was formed with Ohio & Erie Canalway, AMATS, the city of Akron, and other stakeholders to create goals and objectives to enhance the user experience on the Towpath and connect users with Downtown businesses and attractions. Outcomes included the Towpath brochure, 6 two-sided welcome signs with maps along the trail and directional decals on the surface of the trail. This project was supported by The Knight Foundation.

• DAP and AMATS held the first Jane’s Walk: Akron on May 3. Jane’s Walk is an international festival of citizen-led walking tours focused on community engagement. Three walks were held in Downtown: the Towpath, Akron history and arts & culture.

• DAP continues to connect Downtown businesses with the city of Akron’s single stream recycling program. In 2014, the city collected 97.35 tons of recyclables from the downtown business district, up from 46.5 tons in 2013. There are currently 34 containers in place for Downtown businesses, an increase of 14 containers from the previous year.

• The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program reduces cigarette litter with more than 60 strategically placed cigarette receptacles within the Downtown footprint. Cigarette butts remain the most littered item in the country. The program has reduced the amount of cigarette litter on Downtown sidewalks by more than 50%. Pocket ashtrays provided by Keep America Beautiful are distributed to smokers to encourage them to dispose of cigarette litter responsibly.

SafetyGoalDowntown Akron Partnership recognizes the importance of safety and accessibility and works to prioritize improving safety and awareness of parking options day and night within the Downtown area.

Achievements• DAP’s Clean & Safe Ambassador Program continues to enhance safety and hospitality services in Downtown. Ten Clean & Safe Ambassadors and a working supervisor patrol the 42-block SID District and south to the

Ambassadors keep Downtown clean, safe and walkable

Ambassadors performed 362 lockout assists last year

Ambassadors maintain morethan 60 ash receptacles daily

Window clings remind passers-by of Ambassador services


4

Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center on Broadway. METRO RTA partners with DAP to help fund the ambassador program to strengthen safety at the transit center and throughout the Downtown corridor.

• Safety ambassadors provide a recognizable physical presence, deter panhandling, work with street level businesses to address security concerns and provide hospitality assistance and safety escorts to visitors and Downtown employees to enhance the Downtown experience. The amenities they offer, such as such as battery jumps, tire changes, lockout services and fuel rescues, result in daily emails from grateful motorists.

• DAP Safety Communications Network includes an email alert system to keep individuals and businesses Downtown apprised of emergency situations, safety alerts and traffic disruption notices. E-newsletters update important issues and achievements.

• Brochures focusing on Panhandling, Car Safety, the Clean and Safe Ambassador Program, Office Safety, Downtown Walkability and a Parking/Skywalk Guide are distributed. These brochures are also displayed in sidewalk and skywalk information stations. Over 10,000 parking/skywalk guides are distributed annually. A new Downtown Towpath map brochure was also produced.

• DAP and the Akron Police Department hold Block Watch meetings quarterly to address safety issues including emergency preparedness, crime prevention, awareness and information sharing.

• DAP funds the service of a weekend APD shift supervisor Thursday-Saturday nights in the Downtown entertainment district to coordinate police presence at nightlife venues, communicate concerns to DAP staff and provide dedicated service to the district.

• DAP advocates for parking safety and improvements with ABM Parking Services.

• DAP facilitates quarterly meetings between nightlife venues, restaurant owners, City of Akron, Akron Police Department, Akron Fire Department and The University of Akron to address concerns in the Downtown entertainment district and balance safety and vibrancy Downtown after 6 p.m.

• DAP is a member of The University of Akron’s Safety Task Force and Community Policing Fusion Group to strengthen communication and safety initiatives throughout the corridor.

coverback panel

Downtown Akron Partnership is committed to keeping Downtown Akron a safe, clean and vibrant place to work, live and play.

Downtown Akron Partnership Ambassadors Hours of Operation

Cleaning Ambassadors:

Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Safety Ambassadors: Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 7 a.m. -11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

To report a cleaning issue or a non-emergency safety concern, email [email protected]

or call 330-374-7612 or 330-374-7676.

To request an escort, report a problem or request a lockout or jump start or other

ambassador services, contact the On Duty Supervisor at 330-706-7383

or the Operations Manager at 330-706-7374.

To report an emergency situation, call 911.

Why not walk?www.downtownakron.com/walkdowntown

Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., 4th fl. Akron, Ohio 44308

www.downtownakron.com330-374-7676 • fax 330-374-7620

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Promoting and building a vibrant and valuable Downtown

Downtown Akron Partnership’s free parking app Parking Friend Akron is available in iPhone and Android versions with parking information and a Downtown map

that allows users to search for restaurants, nightlife, retail and other destinations.

Pedestrian FriendlyDowntown Akron is a vibrant, walkable Downtown promoting pedestrian activity with tree-lined streets, well marked crosswalks, deep red brick sidewalks, a uniform and attractive streetscape program, flower-filled planters, hanging baskets, flowerscapes and historic buildings with stories to tell.

Downtown’s walkable, 42-block area is an entertainment and dining destination with unique restaurants, theaters, art and other cultural attractions, diverse businesses and an active nightlife, all within easy walking distance. These abundant amenities in close proximity have earned a “walk score” (walkscore.com) of 92, making it a “Walker’s Paradise.”

Benefits of WalkingWalkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to the environment, our finances, our health and our communities:

• Environment: Cars are a leading cause of pollution and climate change. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.

• Finances: Walking means an immediate decrease in driving costs and ultimately health care costs.

• Health: Walking can help lower blood pressure, manage weight, lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol, improve your mood and a myriad of other health benefits.

• Communities: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10 percent. Walkability is important to local restaurants and merchants who rely on foot traffic.

Tips for Pedestrians • Cross only at crosswalks. Don’t cross between parked cars.

• Make eye contact with drivers at intersections before entering crosswalks.

• Look left, right then left again and keep looking while crossing the street.

• See and be seen – drivers need to see you to avoid you.

• Wear listening devices in only one ear.

• Watch for turning vehicles at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way and are proceeding lawfully.

Tips for Drivers • Stay focused and alert for pedestrians.

• Watch for pedestrians before executing any turn.

• Pay attention to traffic control signals and posted signs.

• Don’t text while driving or engage in any activity that takes your focus away from driving.

coverback panel

Report Crime and Suspected Criminal Activity Promptly

To report a crime in progress or a medical emergency, or if you need

an officer on the scene now, call 911.

Ambassadors Hours of Operations

Cleaning Ambassadors: Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Safety Ambassadors: Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. -11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday hours extended as needed within the Entertainment District

To report a cleaning issue or a non-emergency safety concern, email

[email protected] or call 330-374-7612 or 330-374-7676.

To request a safety escort or to report a problem, contact the Duty Supervisor:

330-706-7383

Downtown is one of the safest neighborhoods in Akron. Help us keep it that way.

Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., 4th fl. Akron, Ohio 44308

www.downtownakron.com 330-374-7676 • fax 330-374-7620

Promoting and building a vibrant and valuable Downtown

[email protected] [email protected]

DowntownSafetySeries

Office and Building Security

Victim of a Crime?The likelihood of the perpetrator of a crime being apprehended may depend on your ability to give police an accurate description. There are measures you can take to aid you. For example, place discreet height markers on a door frame that will help you gauge the height of the individual. Keep Incident Reports handy to jot down details of the criminal you may need later.

Description of PersonGender: Race:Age: Height:Weight: Hair:Eyes: Complexion:Scars, etc.: Weapon:Clothing: Build:Speech: Mannerisms:Unusual characteristics:

Location last seen:Direction of travel:Mode of transportation:Type of vehicle, make, model, year, color, license plate #

Eyes (color) Glasses

Complexion

Weapon typeleft or right hand

Hat (color, type)

Tie

Coat

Shirt

Shoes

Build

Gender Race Age Height Weight

This and additional information available online atwww.downtownakron.com


5

MARKETING AND PROMOTIONSGoalDowntown Akron Partnership conducts a quality marketing and promotions plan, highlighting Downtown’s entertainment, recreation, business and development efforts.

Achievements• Unique visitors count for downtownakron.com is 152,573, monthly average 12,726. Unique visitors for the mobile website – m.downtownakron.com is 97,845, monthly average 8,153. Unique visitors for firstnightakron.org is 22,342, monthly average 1,861. Downtown Akron Partnership has 15,344 active email contacts in Constant Contact who receive Do Downtown, Downtown Partners, Clean & Safe Updates, Traffic Advisories, media releases and other announcements.

• Social Media: Facebook friends - Downtown Akron Partnership page – 3,879; First Night Akron – 766; Akron Art Prize – 628 (launched May 2014); The Market at Lock 3 - 331; DAP Emerging Leaders - 196. Twitter followers – 4,960; Instagram - 428. Hashtags were used to track social media conversations for #DowntownAkron, #KissMyAkron #EatAkron (Downtown Akron Restaurant Week), #AkronArtPrize, #FirstNightAkron.

• Customized maps and destination-building materials were created for the Akron Marathon, the Gay Games, Bridgestone Invitational and Cleveland International Film Festival’s Day & Night in Akron to package important information for spectators and participants with information on shopping, dining and other entertainment options Downtown.

• DAP partners with local events including Lock 3and Lock 4 concerts, festivals, parades, The Gay Games, Holidayfest, Akron RubberDucks, AkRUN and Crawl and The University of Akron athletics to provide hospitality assistance and promotions opportunities.

• Continued successful co-op advertising partnerships with local media that allows Downtown businesses to advertise at cost-effective rates and be grouped with other downtown destinations under the Experience Downtown banner. These include the Akron Beacon Journal Enjoy section each month, Akron/Summit

13,000 runners took part in the marathon, half marathon and relays

Lock 4 summer concerts feature jazz and blues

The rebranded RubberDucks saw a 15.7% attendance increase in 2014

Lock 3 attracts thousands to summer weekend concerts


6

Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitors Guide in May, Greater Akron Chamber’s Experience Greater Akron in September and AkronLife’s First Night event guide in December.

• Share the Love: Kiss my Akron returned for a second year in February 2014. Participation doubled to 30 restaurants, shops and destinations that distributed clings to patrons and visitors. Visitors were encouraged to place the kiss clings on the windows and doors of their favorite Downtown locations. More than 2,000 clings were provided to businesses and by ambassadors. The month-long promotion was covered by the Akron Beacon Journal, West Side Leader, The Akronist and WKYC-3.

• The Market at Lock 3 returned with produce, specialty foods and homemade items to Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Live music, pickle and salsa contests along with cooking, yoga and painting demonstrations enhanced the market experience. The Everyday Health program, sponsored by SummaCare, once again provided recipe card and health tips each week. In 2014, more than 4,300 people attended the Market and 425 people participated in Everyday Health. The market kicked off the season in June with 500 people enjoying Downtown Employee Appreciation Day, complete with a sundae bar. The sundae bar returned in July after the market’s hiatus with an additional 430 guests. The first-ever Fall Festival had participation from six vendors and attendance by nearly 100 on a cold, rainy October day.

• During the holiday season, DAP’s shop local campaign encouraging the community “to do something big for the holiday – shop small in Downtown Akron.” Four ads were developed by Incite Creative with various messages to shop in Downtown and featured the faces and businesses in the neighborhood. The campaign kicked off on Nov. 22 and ran through Dec. 24 in the Akron Beacon Journal, Facebook and Twitter.

• Through support by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Live & Local pop ups brought unexpected music and dance to unexpected places. Neos Dance Theatre entertained lunchtime crowds in July outside the Akron Art Museum and JSK Café as well as LockBottom Blues and Jazz in August. In October and November, Delectable Dining with a Side of Symphony gave Downtown diners an in-restaurant concert by members of the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Performances took place in seven Downtown Akron restaurants.

DBA gives cooking demos for Farmers’ Market shoppers

Akron Zoo staff show theirlove with Kiss My Akron

Symphony pop up performance for Cilantro diners

Summer fashion Show at the Trolley Barn

Twitter.

gave Downtown


7

• The NOTO summer fashion show on June 7, staged at the Trolley Barn behind Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron, included a downtown restaurant round-up featuring 3 Point, Crave, Nuevo Modern Mexican and Urban Eats.

• For the fourth year, Discover Downtown Akron Passport serves as a destination-building initiative showcasing opportunities for entertainment and culture in the Downtown district. Passport holders begin the journey with First Night Akron and enjoy 16 additional events. Destination building events include exclusive tours, free admission to popular venues, sports events and theater. The passport has an actual value of $238 and to date over 1,200 of the $15 Passports have been sold.

• DAP continues to coordinate the monthly Downtown Akron Artwalk on the first Saturday of every month. The 2014 Artwalks hosted nearly 4,000 visitors.

Akron Art PrizeThe Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation generously supports Akron Art Prize, a DAP initiative that promotes vibrancy and opportunity within Downtown’s arts district. Now in its third year, Akron Art Prize increases public awareness and participation in the arts by encouraging anyone to enter and decide the outcome of this unique competition. Entries are submitted in a multitude of media, shapes and sizes by amateur and professional artists.

Winners are determined by public vote via digital application on a smartphone or iPad kiosk at venue locations. The competition’s greatest outcome has been the increase in visitors to the district and access provided to new and emerging artists to showcase their work in established galleries. Each voter registered had up to 6 votes to cast during the five week competition. Winners were announced at a closing reception at the Akron Art Museum. The first place winner received $5,000; five runners up received $1,000. There was an 84% increase in number of registered voters, a 28% increase in participating artists and a 20% increase in votes cast from 2013.

Akron Art Prize entries were on display at the We Gallery, Zeber-Martell Clay Studio & Gallery, 43 Furnace Complex, The Nightlight Cinema, Palladian Palette, Summit Artspace and Akron Glass Works, with the finale at the Akron Art Museum.


8

First Night AkronApproximately 14,000 revelers shared their New Year’s Eve with our Downtown community at the 19th First Night Akron – Northeast Ohio’s largest family-friendly, alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. First Night Akron remains a safe, fun and affordable event for the entire community and annually commemorates the amazing turnaround that Downtown has experienced since the formation of the Downtown Akron Special Improvement District.

The First Night 2015 button was designed by accomplished graphic designer, artist and educator, Lawrence Walker. Larry’s design featured fireworks, bright colors and an elaborate mask reminiscent of Mardi Gras. The crayon batik technique used for the design created a unique look for the 19th year. First Night buttons remain an affordable $10 with children under 10 admitted free with a button-wearing adult. Guests enjoyed eleven Downtown venues and a mainstage hosting more than 80 artists and performers showcasing music, dance, interactive activities, film, theatre and visual art. The venues increased from ten to twelve this year with the addition of The Nightlight and Palladian Palette into the footprint. METRO generously supports free shuttle service throughout the Downtown area, providing revelers the option of warm rides between venues.

Two fireworks shows supported by FirstMerit Foundation lit up the sky at 9 p.m. and midnight. Musical performances ranged from classical to cutting edge with Gospel Meets Symphony, The Angie Haze Project, The University of Akron’s Steel Drum Band, Dark Side of the Moon, Café 80’s and more. Interactive crowd favorites included two interactive light brite’s, a fire and ice tower, mask making, horse drawn carriage rides, and the #BetterAkron2015 video program – a partnership with the Akron Digital Media Center, sponsored by Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds program.

The First Night Community Outreach program, generously supported by PNC Foundation, Sisler Fawn Foundation, Robert O. and AnnaMae Orr Family Foundation and the Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation provided buttons to more than 2,000 low to moderate income, elderly and disabled individuals, through 26 social service agency partners, inviting them to celebrate the new year with their families Downtown.

Stilltwalker drew a crowdon Main Street

Akron Symphony Gospel Choir performed inspiring gospel

Dark Side of the Moon filled theCivic with sounds of Pink Floyd

Crowds gathered on Main Streetfor the midnight fireworks


9

OTHER STAKEHOLDER SERVICESAdvocacy & PartnershipsDAP continues to advocate for Downtown to local government and the greater community, as well as provide information to the public. DAP staff members attend meetings of the City’s Downtown Operations Group to advocate for the needs of businesses and appropriate levels of public service.

General SurveyDAP conducts an annual online survey that gathers perceptions and opinions on a variety of Downtown issues such as safety, appearance, parking, entertainment, retail, etc., and the effectiveness of DAP programming. The survey includes benchmark questions that allow us to compare data over time and are an important resource in tracking outcomes. The survey seeks responses from those who live or work Downtown and the occasional visitor.

Retail Recruitment & RetentionAs a result of the Downtown Retail Study, DAP created Downtown Retail Recruitment materials outlining the traffic generators, target retailers and highlights of each district. The Downtown Districts include: Canal District, Historic/Cultural District and Northside District. The material will promote each district and help match potential retailers with the district that best fits their customer base. Materials have been distributed to brokers, property managers and owners, potential retailers and stakeholders. DAP staff perform business visits to current retail on a quarterly basis to receive feedback and offer support. Through the support of The Knight Foundation, a downtown retail map was created to promote the diverse and eclectic retail established in Downtown. In 2014, DAP and AMATS began quarterly pedestrian counts to better understand the movements of Downtown users during the work day.

Business and Property Owner OutreachIn 2014, DAP distributed more than 3,200 folders to new and current tenants, brokers and property managers, and other stakeholders. Throughout the year, DAP made more than 120 business visits and 20 property owner visits. DAP staff have supported brokers and property managers by attending site visits by potential tenants. DAP also meets with businesses looking to start a business in Downtown, connecting them with resources and sharing insights on potential spaces that will fit their needs.

Residential OutreachIn 2014, DAP provided 1,200 welcome packets to residents in Quaker Square, 22 Exchange and 401 Lofts. These packets feature DAP information, menus, coupons and giveaways from Downtown businesses. Packets were also provided to residents of Canal Square Apartments and Northside Lofts.

Emerging LeadersIn its fifth year, the Downtown Akron Partnership Emerging Leaders aim to assist in the efforts of retaining young professionals and enhancing DAP’s mission of promoting and building a vibrant and valuable Downtown. The group currently organizes Downtown Akron Restaurant Week and MyAkron and supports DAP programming.

Holiday ActivitiesDAP’s vintage holiday window displays appear in the University of Akron Polsky Building’s Main Street windows and as part of the Lock 3 holiday display. DAP also sponsors the Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and participates in the Welcome Santa, baseball and St. Patrick’s Day parades.


10

DOWNTOWN AKRON DASHBOARDDowntown Development Highlights (2012-2014)• Potential $40 million hotel development for Greystone Hall was announced and $5 million in historic tax credits received in 2013 (Greystone Partners and Amerimar Realty).

• Potential redevelopment of Landmark Building and adjacent buildings received $3.1 million in historic tax credits in 2013 (Main Street Partners LLC). The plan includes a $24 million investment in 90 apartment units and retail/commercial space in the block.

• Courtyard Marriott under construction in the Northside District by Testa Companies. $16 million, 120 rooms. Estimated completion fall 2015.

• City of Akron broke ground in 2013 on a $3 million investment in Cascade Plaza.

• Akron Children’s Hospital $200 million expansion, began in August 2012 (Boldt Company, of Appleton, Wis.; Hasenstab Architects, Inc., of Akron; KLMK Group, of Richmond, Va.; HKS, Inc., of Dallas, Texas; and the Welty Building Company, of Akron)

• Canal Park Stadium video board installed in 2013 ($1.65 million); $3.5 million in stadium improvements, including addition of The Game Grill & Bar on first floor and The Duck Club on second floor in 2014.

Residential Market (2010-2014)2014 Downtown Residents: 2,497

• 401 Lofts - Private housing completed in 2013; $12 million, 189 units, 323 beds.

• 22 Exchange - Private student housing completed in 2010; 200,000 SF, 142 units, 471 beds, 22,000 SF of retail space.

• The Depot - Private student housing project completed August 2014 with 624 beds, $30 million.

• Canal Square - 22 new units being added. (Currently 55 units). No confirmed completion date.

401 Lofts 22 Exchange The Depot Canal Square


11

Akron Area 2013 Vacancy Rate YTD Net Absorption Average Asking Lease Rate $ SF/YRAkron CBD 16.2% (43,796) $14.94Akron 20.8% 19,965 $13.53Fairlawn/Bath 24.7% (81,676) $16.59Green 9.5% 3,365 $16.46Hudson/Stow 16.8% 42,241 $12.72Richfield 11.5% (7,517) $17.32

** Data from CB Richard Ellis

Annual Downtown Visitors (2014): 3.6 million

Average Daily Traffic (most recent counts)Main/Exchange (2011):14,000Main/Market (2013):22,630High/Exchange (2013):13,320

With approximately 30,000 daily employees, Downtown Akron is an employment hub for Summit County, as well as an arts, culture and entertainment destination.

2013Retail Destinations: 33Total Restaurants: 52Nightlife Destinations: 22

New Retail to Downtown in 2014: BLU Jazz+, Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar, lululemon athletic, Pizza Fire, The Coffee Pot, The Game Grill + Bar and Duck Club, The Nightlight cinema, Transformations, Rubber City Hair.

January-June 2013

Vacancy Rate 17.83% 19.37%

Average Asking Lease Price $14.62 $15.61

Net Absorption (YTD) (5,656) SF 14,248 SF

Downtown Suburbs

July-December 2013



Net Absorption (YTD) (43,796) SF ( 23,622) SF

Downtown Suburbs

January-June 2014



Net Absorption (YTD) (71,383) SF 153,700 SF

Downtown Suburbs

2014Retail Destinations: 36Total Restaurants: 53Nightlife Destinations: 24

Nuevo’s rooftop patio

The Nightligtht cinema

Comparative Commercial Vacancy Rates

The Game Grill


12

Fiscal ResponsibilityOur annual SID revenue of approximately $651,000 provides 54% of our overall $1.2 million operating revenue. Our ongoing partnership with METRO RTA provides an additional 13% of operating funding for services to the Robert J. Pfaff Intermodal Transit Center and supports our Clean and Safe team services throughout the district. Business memberships with partners like The University of Akron, GOJO Industries and Canal Place allow us to strengthen the safety of the corridor by providing contracted services just outside our SID border and provide for an additional 5% of revenue. DAP has valued business memberships with the Akron-Summit County Public Library, the John S. Knight Center and the Akron Area Board of Realtors, Summit County Historical Society, River Valley Paper Company and University Park YMCA. General operating support is generously provided by GAR Foundation and Akron Community Foundation allowing us to use our discretion to address the changing needs of the SID on an annual basis. Special events rely heavily upon corporate and foundation support. Less than 4% of annual SID revenue is utilized to support events such as First Night Akron, Akron Art Prize and Live & Local. Those three events were supported through corporate and foundation support in excess of $115,000 in FY 2013-2014. Other Non-SID Funding Sources: Margaret Clark Morgan (Akron Art Prize), Corbin Foundation (Beautification), Knight Foundation (Arts Programming), Burton D. Morgan Foundation (Arts Programming), Time Warner Cable (First Night Digital Media Project), Keep America Beautiful (Cigarette Litter Prevention), SummaCare (Everyday Health), and Welty Family Foundation (Passport Program). First Night Sponsors included Founding Partners: Akron Beacon Journal, City of Akron; Platinum Sponsors: Acme Fresh Market, Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com, Charles C. and Dorathea S. Dilley Fund of Akron Community Foundation, City of Akron, County of Summit, FirstMerit Foundation, GAR Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, PNC Foundation; Gold Sponsors: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., John S. Knight Center, METRO Regional Transit Authority, The University of Akron; Silver Sponsors: Labels & Letters, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, Robert O. & Annamae Orr Family Foundation, Pat Catan’s Craft Centers, Roetzel & Andress, LPA, Sisler McFawn Foundation, The Welty Family Foundation; Bronze Sponsors: A. Schulman, Inc., Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, Cohen & Company, CPAs, GOJO Industries, Huntington Bank, Kenneth L. Calhoun, a KeyBank Trust, Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation, Lauren R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation, The Murdough Foundation, R.C. Musson and Katharine M. Musson Charitable Foundation, Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation, Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation, Step2; Special Friends: Akron Summit Community Action, Inc., Glenn R. and Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation, Coca Cola, The Maynard Family

ProgramsSIDDAP

ServicesOperatingPrograms

Income

Expenses

FinancialsDowntown Akron Partnership, Inc. Fiscal Year 2013-2014

19%

51%

30%

64%

19%

17%


Do

wn

tow

n A

kro

n P

artn

ersh

ip

Greystone Hall • 103 S High St • Akron OH 44308 • 330.374.7676 • www.downtownakron.com

Promoting and building a vibrant

and valuable Downtown

Photos in this publication courtesy of Shane Wynn, Bruce Ford

Download your shopping guide at downtownakron.com/shopWHEN YOU SHOP SMALL, THESE ARE THE PEOPLE YOU SUPPORT.

Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.Meet your neighbors.


downtown akron partnership · 3 • stakeholders performed an analysis on the need to connect...

Documents